Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a very common condition that is usually detected in childhood. However, it can affect adults as well. Those with this condition are often easily distracted and have trouble focusing on a particular task for an extended period of time. This makes it difficult for them to succeed in school. Adderall, a prescription stimulant, is one the most common drugs used to treat this disorder. It can dramatically decrease the effects of ADHD and help an individual to focus. Adderall should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor. Many people illegally sell and misuse the drug. Misusing Adderall is dangerous and can lead to long-term physical effects.
Understanding What Adderall Is
The technical term for Adderall is dextroamphetamine-amphetamine. It is in the stimulant drug class, interacting with the central nervous system and altering certain natural substances in the brain. Adderall is taken orally daily, either as an immediate-release or extended-release tablet. When treating a patient, a doctor typically starts them out with a lower dose and gradually increases their dose as their body becomes used to the medication. While it’s most known for treating ADHD, it can also be used to help treat a sleep condition called narcolepsy.
Understanding How Adderall Is Abused
Adderall is perhaps most commonly known to be abused by college students. Someone with a legitimate prescription will sell the pills to other students. These students look at these pills as a type of study aid to help them focus and get work done. They may also use them to stay up all night if they have a test coming up. Other people may misuse Adderall because they are looking for the stimulant high that it can lead to. It can give them a rush of energy, excitement, and hyperactivity. Some people experience a desire to be very social and talkative while using the drug.
Many people who misuse Adderall think this practice is safe because it is a legal drug that a doctor prescribes. However, the truth is that it is only safe if you have a legitimate prescription and are taking it exactly as prescribed.
Understanding Adderall Addiction
When an individual continues to misuse Adderall over an extended period of time, they will begin to build up a tolerance to it. This means that they will need more and more of the drug to experience the effects that they are looking for. This is how a person develops an Adderall addiction. They will find that when they don’t take the drug, they will experience withdrawal side effects. Some of these side effects include:
- Changes in appetite
- Lack of energy
- Mood changes
- Depression
- Nightmares
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
When Adderall addiction goes unaddressed, an individual will experience a wide variety of long-term health consequences. The drug will begin to take a toll on the person’s heart, leading to high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and a greater chance of developing heart disease.
Adderall misuse can also take a toll on a person’s mental health and behavior. Some people experience symptoms of psychosis, mania, anxiety, and aggression.
There are also long-term sexual side effects of misusing Adderall. An individual may find that they have a much lower sex drive and their sexual satisfaction has also decreased.
When you misuse Adderall over time, you put yourself at risk of developing mental and cognitive decline later in life. It’s believed that long-term Adderall misuse can change the wiring of the brain, making an individual more likely to develop dementia and other forms of memory loss.
Some additional possible long-term effects of Adderall include:
- Chest pain
- Dizzyness
- Numbness in the arms or legs
- Slowed speech
- Seizures
- Verbal tics
- Blistering of the skin
Treating Adderall Addiction
If you suspect that you’re struggling with an Adderall addiction, it is important that you seek treatment for it as soon as possible. Speak with your primary care provider, who can help access your symptoms and point you toward a treatment center that will meet your needs. You’ll have the option to attend either in-patient or out-patient treatment. During this time, you will be helped through the detox process and will be given support through therapy and support group meetings.
When your treatment is nearly complete, an addiction specialist will work with you to come up with a plan for you to follow upon leaving the facility to ensure that you will not fall back into addiction. Adderall addiction is common, but recovery is very much an option for you. Reach out to a treatment provider today.
Adderall is most commonly used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It should only be taken with a legitimate prescription and exactly as instructed by a doctor. However, Adderall is commonly misused by people seeking the sort of stimulant high that it can provide. This sort of high can cause a rush of energy and excitement. Some college students will misuse this drug with the intention of focusing for a long period of time or staying up to study. Adderall misuse is very dangerous and can lead to addiction as well as long-term health complications. Such issues can include heart and mental health problems and an increased risk of mental and cognitive decline later in life. If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, our team at The Ho Tai Way can help. Call (714) 581-3974 today to learn more about the types of services that we provide.
